We Are Mitchell

Alex Glover - The Geology of Helene

Local geologist Alex Glover joins us to talk about the changes Helene made to the geology of our region. From causing shutdowns of our mines and processing plants to major landslides and rerouting our rivers and streams, the storm massively changed the lay of the land in our region. Alex explains what happened and what things will be like going forward.

Sharon Rowland - Bakersville and Northern Mitchell County Economic Update

Sharon Rowland joins us to discuss the effects of Helene on businesses in Bakersville and Northern Mitchell County and how recovery efforts are underway to help get them back to normal.

Town Hall Meeting - November 24, 2024

Government representatives from Mitchell County, Bakersville, Spruce Pine, Mitchell County School officials, and utility representatives held a town hall meeting in Bakersville at the Bowman Middle School Auditorium. Here is the audio from that meeting.

Jann Tracey - Applying for Help from FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, better known as FEMA, has been in our area for several weeks offering assistance to victims of Helene. Jann Tracey, a spokesperson for FEMA joins us to talk about the variety of resources available along with stressing that you have to apply to them to get help which you can do yourself at disaster assistance.gov or at the Disaster Recovery Center in Ledger which is open Monday to Saturday, 8 AM - 7 PM.

Gerard Ball - Veterans Stand Down Event in Burnsville November 13

Gerard Ball with the North Carolina Department of Commerce talks about a special event for veterans of our area coming up on Wednesday, November 13 from 10 AM - 3 PM at the Burnsville Town Center. The Stand-Down brings together a variety of resources for veterans related to Helene recovery in one location and gives veterans the chance to get help or answers to questions. Both free breakfast and lunch will be served at the Stand-Down for attendees. The event is only open to veterans and their families. For more information, Call the Mitchell County Veterans Services Office at 828-688-2200 or contact by email at veteransofficer@mitchellcountync.gov.

Andrew Brewer - Building Inspection for Temporary Housing

Something that has caused some controversy recently has been the announcement by Mitchell County Building Inspections that any temporary housing for residents still has to meet building codes established by the State of North Carolina. Andrew Brewer, who is an assistant to Mitchell County Building Inspector Dillon Phillips, explains why this is the case and that it is a state requirement, not something from local government.

Andrew Brewer - Details on the Burning Ban

There has been some confusion concerning the Burning Ban that is in place in Mitchell County. Fire Marshal Andrew Brewer joins us to explain how the ban works and why some places can have burning taking place.

Kevin Huskins - Mitchell County Schools Reopen

Assistant Superintendent Kevin Huskins shared a quick word at the end of the first day of school for Mitchell County students on November 7th.